New Post-Modern Garage/Workshop
- Thread starter works4me
- Start date
QwikKotaTx
Well-known member
Pretty sweet. I use SolidWorks at the office and when I want to draw up personal ideas it is a huge pain and takes a very long time. You essentially have to draw everything from scratch but there are some downloadable items available, more for industrial purposes however. What size is your yard? My lot barely has room for a shed addition!
Awesome shop setup you have with incredible assortment of machinery.
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Some CNC work
I made some good progress today on the Plasma Torch holder. I had to machine two small plates to mount to the slides and one large backing plate to attach to the Z-axis. Then I inserted the magnets into indentations I cut in these plates. Finally I drilled and tapped holes for the spring holders. Overall I made a couple of small mistakes, but it appears to be working well. And I have CNC code for duplicating each piece. I still have to mount the electric switch stop, cut the rail lengths, mount alignment pins, figure out how to route the torch cable, etc. etc. Sigh.
I also started labeling the parts drawers. The angled label holders work well and the labels are easy to read. The label printer works *great*!
I made some good progress today on the Plasma Torch holder. I had to machine two small plates to mount to the slides and one large backing plate to attach to the Z-axis. Then I inserted the magnets into indentations I cut in these plates. Finally I drilled and tapped holes for the spring holders. Overall I made a couple of small mistakes, but it appears to be working well. And I have CNC code for duplicating each piece. I still have to mount the electric switch stop, cut the rail lengths, mount alignment pins, figure out how to route the torch cable, etc. etc. Sigh.
I also started labeling the parts drawers. The angled label holders work well and the labels are easy to read. The label printer works *great*!
aggierailroad
Well-known member
Good implementation. I'm still torn on pins vs. bars. They both have pros and cons.
The spring retainers look sharp - great choice there.
The spring retainers look sharp - great choice there.
Unfinished_Projects
Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2012
- Messages
- 14
Where did you order the red plastic boxes? Also, how is your floor holding up? You etched it right?
The plastic boxes are sold by Lista as part of their drawer organizing system. They sell them in 3x3, 3x6, 6x6. I bought all of the Lista stuff from Motorhead Extraordinaire.
I spent a few hours yesterday sorting through a couple of boxes full of screws, nuts, and assorted junk/parts. This is what I ended up with (pics below). I haven't decided yet how I want to organize the other drawers. I've used up over 100 boxes so far:
The floor is holding up well considering how much I abuse it and drag things around. But I never intended it to be a pristine show-floor to begin with. The couple of scratches I've collected so far are in spots where the concrete was a bit softer and/or I didn't coat it with enough clear-coat on top. I think the best thing I did was to make it a fairly dark and uneven color. That hides the dirt & dings well:
I spent a few hours yesterday sorting through a couple of boxes full of screws, nuts, and assorted junk/parts. This is what I ended up with (pics below). I haven't decided yet how I want to organize the other drawers. I've used up over 100 boxes so far:
The floor is holding up well considering how much I abuse it and drag things around. But I never intended it to be a pristine show-floor to begin with. The couple of scratches I've collected so far are in spots where the concrete was a bit softer and/or I didn't coat it with enough clear-coat on top. I think the best thing I did was to make it a fairly dark and uneven color. That hides the dirt & dings well:
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Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
The plastic boxes are sold by Lista as part of their drawer organizing system. They sell them in 3x3, 3x6, 6x6. I bought all of the Lista stuff from Motorhead Extraordinaire.
I spent a few hours yesterday sorting through a couple of boxes full of screws, nuts, and assorted junk/parts. This is what I ended up with (pics below). I haven't decided yet how I want to organize the other drawers. I've used up over 100 boxes so far:
The floor is holding up well considering how much I abuse it and drag things around. But I never intended it to be a pristine show-floor to begin with. The couple of scratches I've collected so far are in spots where the concrete was a bit softer and/or I didn't coat it with enough clear-coat on top. I think the best thing I did was to make it a fairly dark and uneven color. That hides the dirt & dings well:
You can also get the same boxes through the Schaller Corp. http://www.schallercorporation.com/servlet/StoreFront I have quite a few in m y toolbox, but need to get some more. They are the ideal box for sorting and storing
You can also get the same boxes through the Schaller Corp. http://www.schallercorporation.com/servlet/StoreFront I have quite a few in m y toolbox, but need to get some more. They are the ideal box for sorting and storing
Kevin,
Good information! Slight difference: it doesn't appear those have the slots for holding the angled labels? I really like those for readability and to act as handles to pull out the bins for particular projects.
THR1LL3R
Well-known member
Awesome!
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Most of my "bins" are cut off oil cans. I've found that if I pull the id tab off of the wood screws (or nuts and bolts) and tape it inside (from the top down) it makes it easy to identify the screws. I think that that tab would just be in my way.
The bins that I don't do the id tab thing on I put a label on the inside near the top. It works for me.
If I had 100 empty oil cans I would definitely have considered using them!
These also come with "flat" labels you can mount on the inside like you describe. I tried a few that way and found them harder to read. I can always switch to that if they interfere this way. I also tried ripping off the lids and tried using them, but there was far too much variance in size and materials (some were plastic) and it was way too difficult to read.
The way my brain works the less "background noise" I have (e.g. variance in containers, different label styles, too many places to look for things, etc.) the more my brain can stay focused, find things quickly, and keep things organized. To each his own.
mdbeck1
Well-known member
100% agree.
I usually take my oil cans, drain them, then cut them off with the motorized miter saw. That way the containers are about the same height and have a nice edge. When I need a long shallow one I take a razor knife and cut the side out of the oil can. It leaves a long wide container and doubles as a place to sort small parts.
Form, Function & Fabrication
Success! Today I fabricated a new base plate for the torch holder and mounted the pins. I had to figure out a way to make an alignment pin for the other side, so I made my own custom eccentric pin. I'm very pleased how it turned out.
I also figured out how to mount the shutdown proximity switch (above it), and routed the wire for the ohmic sensor. I also decided to mount the ohmic sensor circuit on the gantry. Once I get a few remaining parts next week, I should be done with the torch holder. Next step is the water table.
Success! Today I fabricated a new base plate for the torch holder and mounted the pins. I had to figure out a way to make an alignment pin for the other side, so I made my own custom eccentric pin. I'm very pleased how it turned out.
I also figured out how to mount the shutdown proximity switch (above it), and routed the wire for the ohmic sensor. I also decided to mount the ohmic sensor circuit on the gantry. Once I get a few remaining parts next week, I should be done with the torch holder. Next step is the water table.
Finally finished the trim for my workbench. I cut 2" angle iron and welded it from the back (to keep the patina on the front). It adds just the perfect weight to the front edge & hides the laminate underneath. Not perfect, but I think it looks good.
BTW CNC plasma is progressing albeit slowly. I'm working on a 5 foot long metal brake attachment for my Jig table for bending 18 gauge steel to build the water pan for my CNC plasma torch...I determined welding approximately 30 feet of 18 gauge metal with my Tig and keeping it water-tight was a bit beyond my current skills
.
BTW CNC plasma is progressing albeit slowly. I'm working on a 5 foot long metal brake attachment for my Jig table for bending 18 gauge steel to build the water pan for my CNC plasma torch...I determined welding approximately 30 feet of 18 gauge metal with my Tig and keeping it water-tight was a bit beyond my current skills
.
I really like the "set up table" or do you call it a "jig table"?
Did you make this or buy it? Have you any details on it?
Sorry I didn't see this earlier. This is a Buildpro table. More info here:
http://stronghandtools.com/buildpro/
Custom metal pan brake attachment
To fabricate the water pan for the plasma table I decided to bend up the sides rather than weld them. So I needed a metal brake big enough to build up the sides of a 3'x5' pan. To save space I decided to fabricate a brake that attaches to the edge of my buildpro table using the quick connect bolts and then hangs up on the wall when I don't need it.
To start with I purchased some 3"x3"x3/8" angle iron, 3"x3/8" flat stock, and some 6"x6" hinges. I cut slots at the ends of the angle using my Plasma cutter to mount the hinges.
I needed to cut a small indent to clear the end of the hinge. It was too tight to fit my angle grinder, so I used the Plasma again.
After cleaning it up and prepping for welding:
Underneath I welded a short 1 1/2" square tube to slide the handles into, as well as an additional support bracket to add a bit more strength to the hinge:
The 3" bar stock is welded onto the other side of the hinge to provide backside support under the material. Then I take another piece of angle-iron of whatever length I need to support the top side of the sheet I'm bending and clamp it down:
I'm still fiddling with the proper alignment of the support, but my first test piece worked out well:
Next I'm going to drill the holes for the support bolts and figure out a quick way of aligning the support plate on top.
So far so good...
To fabricate the water pan for the plasma table I decided to bend up the sides rather than weld them. So I needed a metal brake big enough to build up the sides of a 3'x5' pan. To save space I decided to fabricate a brake that attaches to the edge of my buildpro table using the quick connect bolts and then hangs up on the wall when I don't need it.
To start with I purchased some 3"x3"x3/8" angle iron, 3"x3/8" flat stock, and some 6"x6" hinges. I cut slots at the ends of the angle using my Plasma cutter to mount the hinges.
I needed to cut a small indent to clear the end of the hinge. It was too tight to fit my angle grinder, so I used the Plasma again.
After cleaning it up and prepping for welding:
Underneath I welded a short 1 1/2" square tube to slide the handles into, as well as an additional support bracket to add a bit more strength to the hinge:
The 3" bar stock is welded onto the other side of the hinge to provide backside support under the material. Then I take another piece of angle-iron of whatever length I need to support the top side of the sheet I'm bending and clamp it down:
I'm still fiddling with the proper alignment of the support, but my first test piece worked out well:
Next I'm going to drill the holes for the support bolts and figure out a quick way of aligning the support plate on top.
So far so good...
Steel Storage & Worklamp
Some small progress this weekend. I mounted heavy-duty racks for steel storage on the wall. I was going to weld up my own system, but then it would be fixed. This gives me much more flexibility:
I'm still going to build my own rolling cart for the sheets underneath that will pull out the end.
Also, I heavily modified a lampshade from Restoration Hardware to work with an extensible lamp arm I found at West Elm. I think it turned out well:
Some small progress this weekend. I mounted heavy-duty racks for steel storage on the wall. I was going to weld up my own system, but then it would be fixed. This gives me much more flexibility:
I'm still going to build my own rolling cart for the sheets underneath that will pull out the end.
Also, I heavily modified a lampshade from Restoration Hardware to work with an extensible lamp arm I found at West Elm. I think it turned out well:
aggierailroad
Well-known member
Houstonians must be on the same wave length - the unistrut shelving, and a new lamp. I'm doing/adding the exact same things right now!
Looks nice and clean, ready to see the table finished!
Looks nice and clean, ready to see the table finished!
Galvonzo
Well-known member
Re: Steel Storage & Worklamp
I must say, of the many things I've seen here on the GJ, this light is way up there on my list of favorites.
I must say, of the many things I've seen here on the GJ, this light is way up there on my list of favorites.
FunkyfullWidth
Well-known member
Great looking space! clean and functional..
Do you have any plans for fighting dust and fumes from the plasma... Some people complain about plasma cutter "haze."
Do you have any plans for fighting dust and fumes from the plasma... Some people complain about plasma cutter "haze."
I'm building a water table for the CNC Plasma to help contain the dust. I'm told they are about 90% effective.
In addition, I have a high volume air filter currently sitting under the CNC mill, and I can open the doors at both ends and run a big fan to create cross ventilation. I usually do that when running the Plasma by hand.
I finally had the opportunity to use my mag drill today. I drilled holes to mount the pins through the angle iron to attach my metal brake to the jig table:
I also welded additional tubing underneath to support the hinge and provide a bit more stiffness. I was able to correct a very small warp in the channel at the same time:
The final alignment seems to be very good, and the pins hold it very firmly to the table:
I also started cleaning up the scrap piece I'm going to use to build a base for my grinder. It is a chunk of 5" square tubing I acquired for free:
Now that's a good Thanksgiving!
I also welded additional tubing underneath to support the hinge and provide a bit more stiffness. I was able to correct a very small warp in the channel at the same time:
The final alignment seems to be very good, and the pins hold it very firmly to the table:
I also started cleaning up the scrap piece I'm going to use to build a base for my grinder. It is a chunk of 5" square tubing I acquired for free:
Now that's a good Thanksgiving!
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FYI I've created a blog where I'm going to post more detailed information on my various projects. For now I've re-posted a couple of old entries about my Mini race car project:
http://www.northstworks.com/blog/
http://www.northstworks.com/blog/
aggierailroad
Well-known member
Say whatttt? Good stuff, glad to see it's coming together.
Strut shelves are almost done, and no noticeable brain damage...
Strut shelves are almost done, and no noticeable brain damage...
aggierailroad
Well-known member
Today I worked on setting up my newest tool:
It's a bit bigger than I thought it would be. I'm going to weld up a small platform to set it on.
Hot damn! long time coming - that's way more interesting that what I was working on today.
Glad you finally got it in.
Red Leader
Well-known member
that's way more interesting that what I was working on today.
...x2
vr4joe
Well-known member
Wow, that's really neat. Is that a plastic injection 3D printer?
Yes, it's usually called Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Fillament Fabrication (FFF) depending on who you talk to. It is the "cheap" kind of 3D printers. There is literally one or two new companies each week starting up and selling 3D printers similar to this. It is the (very early) start of the next technology revolution.
Some info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_deposition_modeling
http://reprap.org/wiki/RepRap
http://www.3ders.org/index.html
http://makezine.com/category/workshop/3d-printing-workshop/
wannabridin
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 17, 2011
- Messages
- 140
too cool here man!! great use of space and AWESOME toys!! what do you do for a living if I may ask??
skamp
Well-known member
Awesome shop! You put a lot of thought into this build. You should be very proud of the result.
Steve
Steve